mc3744
Posts: 1957
Joined: 3/9/2004 From: Italy Status: offline
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November 1st, 1942 Operation “Sealed Lips” is at its height! Phase I is under way and all is going according to plans: first time ever!! During the night the new fast BBs Washington and South Dakota joined by several light and heavy cruisers started a preparatory bombardment of Nandi beaches (Fiji). At the first light of the day men from the 6th Aus Div, 25th US Div, 1st Marine Div, 58th US RCT, Seabees, Base forces started an almost unopposed landing in Nandi. Tomorrow they’ll be joined by tanks, HQs and additional Seabees. The amphibious convoys were coming from Efate. The plan was that if they had been spotted there (Efate) GH may have thought that I was carrying additional troops to that base. From Efate, thanks to the good speed of most AP transports I could reach Fiji in two days at full throttle (6 hexes per day) and begin landings on the third. All the ships of the main landing force had been grouped in two big separate TFs, once again not to give up the feeling of a big invasion incoming. The split has been based solely on the ship’s speed: 2 or 3 hexes per phase. The combat vessels started on the same day from Noumea (always to minimize the chances of detection: combat ships in Noumea would be expected) at full speed as well. Tomorrow a shock attack should quickly dispose of the one defending unit (I did not get to see it because it did not bombard !?!) P-38’s and P-40B’s are ready in Luganville an Noumea for an immediate relocation to Fiji to increase the air protection to comfortable levels. Supply and fuel convoys are one day out. One may wonder why I went in so heavy. 1) I’m learning from my nemesis 2) I must be able to withstand any counter-attack. With three full divisions, brigades, tanks, support units and the new P-38’s (plus additional F4F and P-40) on CAP I feel confident that Fiji will never be Japanese again. 3) To avoid giving out my intentions I could not afford any kind of recon. I had no idea what I was going to find on the Island, hence I could not risk. Anyway it’s not over yet. Still this time I’m confident his carriers won’t be within strike range before I’ll have conquered Nandi and P-38’s will be on station at the base. Phase II will soon begin. In Australia Daly has been bombed heavily and the Australian troops are advancing. Most of the Jap fighter assigned to South Pacific are protecting PM, hence I should probably get another couple of days of undisturbed bombings over Daly … or PM exposed sooner than expected. Looks like being superstitious is working. If I manage this operation I’ll consider the curse dispelled and I may go back to the old ways. The wind may be changing after all, I’ve not been requested any British ship for withdrawal. --------------------------------- My brave Marines embarking the landing crafts
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Nec recisa recedit
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